Kicking Television

Anything called Confessions of a Couch Potato sounds like it might be a Steve Blow column about the decline of our society due to that "new-fangled contraption" called a "television." Or, it could be a play about a broken home. The family members no longer know how to communicate, sitting idly on their couch as television programs play out what would otherwise be the moments of their lives. It isn't until they see a program about a family obsessed with television that they see the error of their ways--Irony! Or, it could be innovative erotica about a woman who will never be truly satisfied unless she is making love on her own old, worn-out couch while Jeopardy! plays in the background. Trebek, you animal! But in truth Confessions of a Couch Potato is neither Blow column, nor play, nor erotica. It is a rather disturbing collection of watery paintings inspired by television. Bizarre juxtapositions—boobs and clown noses, anyone?—are meant to explore "the many fantasies and emotions television emits on a daily basis," according to artist Yousef Balat. The show runs through Sunday at the Mighty Fine Arts gallery, 407 N. Tyler St. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. Call 214-942-5241.
Saturdays, Sundays. Starts: June 3. Continues through June 25